A Few Reasons to #Lovencsmokies

North Carolina Smoky Mountain Blueways

The Cheoah, Little Tennessee, Nantahala, Oconaluftee and Tuskasegee Rivers flow through the North Carolina Smoky Mountains into Fontana Lake at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These rivers, lakes along the way and their watersheds encompass the Nantahala National Forest and two National Park units to create the "infrastructure" for the largest and most visited outdoor recreation area in the Southeastern US. The Great Rivers and Lakes of the Great Smokies creates the Smoky Mountain Blueway Trails.

Highest Elevation Mountain Peak

Our region of the Smokies has the highest-elevation mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rising to an elevation of 6,643 ft., Clingmans Dome is also the the third highest mountain peak in the Appalachian Mountain Range. On clear days views expand over 100 miles.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates on the historic Murphy Branch Line, constructed from Knoxville, TN to Dillsboro, NC in 1883 and reached Andrews in 1890. Western North Carolina’s Premier Scenic Train began operations in 1988 as a tourist railroad, showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains and entertaining with specialty event trains and continues today!

The Nantahala Outdoor Center

Experience adventure with The Nantahala Outdoor Center, "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth," according to National Geographic Adventure magazine. It is also the nation's largest outdoor recreation company and was recognized by The New York Times as the "Nation's Premier Paddling School.

Cherokee

Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Here you can experience the 18th.-Century lifestyle of the Cherokee at the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the tribal story of their history at the "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama. The Cherokee people love to laugh and have a good time. They will welcome you to experience their rich history and culture with a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Harrah's Cherokee Hotels & Casinos

Harrah's Cherokee Hotel & Casino, 21 stories high, offers luxury lodging and an upscale experience with 1,108 spacious rooms and breathtaking views. The Casino provides 150,000 sq. feet of gaming with live table games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. A second location in the region, Harrah's Valley River Casino Hotel is located near Murphy and offers 60,000 sq. feet of gaming and 300 hotel rooms.